Help me find a hairstyle please. Fringe? No Fringe? (Pics)

[ChopOrNot]

A couple of years ago I grew out the dye (did the drastic pixie cut and grew it out) So now I am blessed with a chin-length mop of salt and pepper curls. I do not want to go back to the dye but need some impartial opinions on what to do with the mop. Please!

So any suggested styles gratefully received. Should I continue to grow it? Should I get a fringe cut in (more like a bit of a wispy/ringletty shorter bit than a full-fringe. Keep it chin-length bob?

I want to be a cool funky grey - not a dowdy grey!

Any ideas please? (Oh and forgive photos - at home today with awful cold - hence I look every one of my 45 years!)

The grey suits you so much more than the brown.
I'd leave it as is its beautiful and as for 45... You taking the piss! You look great your skin is Gorgeous.

What about something like this? So it has a bit more shape?

Rhubarbara I really like that, but I think with my colour/salt & pepper look I may end up looking a bit Granny-ish iyswim. One striking colour like in the picture and yes - I think it works. But a bit "going grey with a round hairstyle" may not work so well.

Love the Helena BC curls.

I really do need to find a decent hairdresser who "knows" curls. From previous experience, a curl expert can totally transform how your curls sit - to perfect ringlets (had them) or a cute mess (a bit Helena BC mess). The search for that guru goes on.....

I have to say I think you look really good - I like the inversion pic - I'd probably go for that if you want a change

Chop clipped up looks good! Nice balance of messy and practical. You could def try for more volume on top by clipping higher (may require back up clip for stragglers at the back!) and maaaaybe even add in a hair scarfy thing (they have a name but I can't remember it..) for some extra colour, although it takes a few days of wearing one to stop thinking that you look like an idiot and everyone's staring at your hair scarf thing.

I really do need to find a decent hairdresser who "knows" curls.

When you see someone with good, curly hair, ask her where she goes and who does her. Compile a list.

No one ever minds being grilled by complete strangers in this manner as it's hugely flattering.

Absolutely love your hair as is! I've got super curly hair too - best thing is to make sure the stylist is happy with curly hair. Have see a few looks of fear in my time!

Please post an after shot! Love the colour too

Ooh, I love that pic from Rhubarbara. I think if you're a good non-hippy dresser that would look fab.
The problem with long curly and grey (not in your present situation, you like ace), is that it can all go a bit tie-dye trouser.

I think the problem is that your hair is dragging your (pretty) face down at the moment; that's why I like the picture I posted. I'm not sure your hair's thick enough for the HBC look - the danger is that it goes thin and straggly instead of gorgeous and messy.

I'm all for going grey, especially with great skin and bright eyes like you have, but I think that a great cut and fantastic condition is key, so your hair looks fresh and shiny and not wispy and witchy (not that it does - but you may be dangerously close to that territory. I speak as a fellow wavy-haired going-greyer).

I think your face suits short hair better, or at least volume at the top/crown, and not down by your cheeks, tbh.

I think your hair looks better off your face, tbh. It's swamping you a bit.

These are quite cool. Not sure about fringe. Maybe?

Again - whatever you decide, I think it's all about the cut, condition and shine.

Rhubarbara Thank you - I think you have kind of nailed my problem - my hairs is dragging down my face. I think I needs some volume/messy curl action around eye level - to accentuate my eyes and cheekbones. At the moment it brings to focus doowwnnnn. Not totally doing the triangle head/crystal tips thing - but edging towards to.

Think this is why I was thinking fringe - but a whole style/re-vamp of the cut is actually what is required.

Which does mean finding a hairdresser who knows how to get that messy look. Which is sooo hard to find

OK. Lovely compliments lulled me into laziness. But you are right.

Hair up still looks OK - but that is because it removes the draggy-ness.

Shall start to actively look at people walking around to see if I can spot a decent curly-hair-cut-head and work from there.

Style wise am rethinking your first one. You are right - as again that has the volume/focus higher up the face. And probably why I like the HBC one - same thing (and yes - hair very fine and probably not enough of it to do that style justice).

First one Rhubarb posted is great. Go for that, OP. I think off your face suits you better.

Oh it's so lovely as it is.

Keep it well cut and cared for but nothing drastic!

No fringe!

I've "curly-girled" today and thus a bit more product (though am hoping does not look too crunchy). Have tried to make it a bit less triangle-y.

Thoughts? On shape and texture?

I do need a cut/re-shape at some point, though I think I need to get 100% right the condition and "plan" before I do so. It takes soooo long to grow (it takes about 3-4 inches to grow one inch due to the curl iyswim) I don't want to risk a mistake.

Oh yes, I think that's the right shape! Lovely, really pretty and fresh.

If you compare it with all your other photos on this thread (including pre-pixie), I think it makes a massive difference. As you say - keep the volume around your eyes and cheekbones. Beautiful.

You're hair looks gorgeous OP, you look lovely

I'm hopeless on cuts but your natural colour is SO much more striking than the dye. Really lovely. And I don't think it ages you at all because your face is really youthful.